Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease two 8in (18cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at time, beating well after each addition, then beat in the sour cream and espresso. Sift the flour into the bowl and add the pecans; fold until the flour is just incorporated and the pecans are mixed throughout. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and level the tops.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until risen, firm to the touch, and slightly shrunken from the sides of the pans. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pans, then unmold onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the icing. Melt the butter with the maple syrup in a small pan. Sift the sugar into a bowl, add the butter and syrup mixture along with the coffee and beat with an electric mixer until thick and smooth. Spread the icing over the tops of the two cooled cakes, then sandwich together. Decorate the top of the cake with pecans.

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